Michael "Mick" Heinz's death leaves Harbor city council vacancy

The death of Harbor Springs city council member Michael "Mick" Heinz leaves a vacancy on city council.

HARBOR SPRINGS -- It's a sad reason to have to fill a vacancy on city council.

Monday night's meeting in Harbor Springs included discussion on how to fill Michael "Mick" Heinz's seat on city council, who died last Tuesday after combating an illness.

Per the charter of the city of Harbor Springs, vacancy on city council is filled by appointment by a majority of the remaining members of the council. The person appointed to the vacancy will serve the balance of the term in office.

A committee made of mayor Al Dika, mayor pro-tem Cecelia Johnston and city attorney James Ramer will consider applications and letters of interest for the vacancy on city council, beginning immediately, said city manager Tom Richards.

While city council will see all letters of interest, the committee will make a recommendation to full council when it meets on Monday, May 7.

"I hope to find another person like (Heinz)," said Dika.

Heinz, 67, had been a lifelong resident of Harbor Springs, except for stints in the U.S. Army and in Vietnam from 1966-68.

Upon his return to Harbor Springs, Heinz took a job in the department of public works, working for the city for 30 years before retiring. He also served on the Harbor Springs board of education from 1983-1991, and was involved in the community in many other ways.

"I am sure hoping that someone else, a friend of (Heinz's), or someone from the (American) Legion will step up and want to take his place and carry on his vision," said Dika.

Letters of interest for the city council vacancy should be submitted by Monday, April 23.